20 Food Trends We’re Looking Forward to in 2019
Updated: Dec. 07, 2023
A new year means new trends. Here are our favorite predictions for 2019.
Grown-Up Snack Time
Few adults have the Kindergarten luxury of snack time, but this year expect to see more gourmet mini-meals on store shelves. Whole Foods predicts single-serve charcuterie boards and upgraded versions of lunch box staples will be popular.
American Tea
Globally, tea trumps coffee. And here in the U.S., consumers are finally taking note. Benchmark expects that in 2019 tea will be just as common as your favorite brew, so expect to see local “tea bars,” nitro tea on tap or tea cocktails. Already a tea aficionado? Try your favorite brew in these recipes.
Innovative Ice Cream
Healthy ice cream is nothing new (hey, Halo Top!) but new ingredients and flavor combos are expected to make waves in 2019. Whole Foods predicts consumers will find pints made with avocado or tahini, as well as creative ice cream mix-ins, like artisanal cheese. Here are the 13 craziest ice cream flavors in the US.
Regional Flavors
Can’t make it to Kansas City for a taste of their world-famous BBQ? That’s okay. According to Kroger, consumers will soon be able to find classic regional flavors in the grocery store. Keep an eye out for inspired sauces, snacks and even ice cream.
New Fats
Low-carb, high-fat diets (also known as Keto) are going nowhere in 2019, so consumers can expect to find new options for getting their daily fat intake. According to grocery chain Whole Foods, new flavors of ghee, coconut butter chocolates and variations of jerky will be popular.
Good for the Gut
Trying to keep your gut healthy? You’re in luck. Grocery giant Kroger plans to stock a host of gut-pleasing products on store shelves in 2019, including fermented foods (looking at you kombucha!) and probiotics.
Food for Health
Eating an apple just because it’s healthy is no longer enough for many consumers. According to Tyson, a large meat producer, people want superfoods that will provide energy, but also boost brainpower, aid digestion or soften skin. Some consumers are even going so far as to customize their diets based on DNA.
Powerful Powders
Mushroom coffee? Maca chocolate? Check and check. According to Oklahoma State University’s Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center, 2019 will see an increase in products that get a little boost from nutrient-dense powders, including brain-boosting mushroom powders, maca root and turmeric.
Natural Sugars
Sugar isn’t exactly a health food, so it’s no surprise that consumers are demanding new ways to get a taste of the sweet stuff. Oklahoma State expects we’ll be able to find more natural sugar replacements, like honey, fruit and coconut sugar.
Try these sweet (and surprising!) new ways to cook with honey.
Wild Produce
It seems that kale is finally on its way out—according to Benchmark, a global hospitality company—ready to be replaced by wild greens like dandelion and sorrel. Consumers can also expect to see more unusual citrus fruits, like the kumquat, replacing traditional lemons and limes. Another twist on the traditional lime? Black limes.
Ready to get started? Here’s how to cook dandelion.
Ocean-inspired Flavors
Global cuisine has been a trend for years as consumers travel the world via their taste buds. According to Whole Foods, this year’s destination is the Pacific Rim. Expect to find Filipino pork sausage, jackfruit and tropical fruits on the menu.
Alternative Proteins
In addition to fat, low-carb consumers are looking for new ways to get their protein fix. Oklahoma State predicts that 2019 will bring more options for meat alternatives, including insect-based products and protein-dense plant “burgers.”
Have you heard of the Beyond Burger? Learn more about it here.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Don’t expect to see a lot of plastic straws in 2019. Eco-friendly packaging—including reusable food wraps, recyclable drink lids and a push to bring your own vegetable bags to the grocery store—are going to be commonplace, according to Whole Foods.
Here are 6 reasons why you’ll love Bee’s Wrap, an alternative to plastic wrap.
Imperfect Product
Ugly is in, thanks to the likes of Imperfect Produce—a grocery delivery service that sells slightly deformed fruits and veggies. These types of programs aim to reduce waste and overcome consumers’ demand for perfect-looking produce.
Food Transparency
Consumers have a strong desire to know what’s in their food and where it came from. This trend will continue in 2019 with an increasing demand for transparency. According to Oklahoma State, genetically modified foods, the humane treatment of animals and farm-to-table sourcing continue to lead the change.
Learn more about agriculture in your area. Here are the best farm tours in every state.
Major Crunch
It’s no secret that we love our crisp, crunchy foods. And in 2019, Oklahoma State predicts we’ll see more puffed, crisped and popped foods—like pasta, seaweed and rice.
Learn the secret to this addictively crunchy tossed salad.
Food, Meet Tech
Our kitchens are getting smarter. And in 2019, Tyson Foods thinks this trend will only continue as technology gets more advanced. Expect to find more futuristic appliances and gadgets in stores soon.
Eating as an Experience
It’s almost too easy to have a meal brought to your doorstep. But Benchmark predicts that consumers will start going out to eat again instead of just ordering in. Consumers crave the experience of eating a meal at a restaurant—even if it’s a little less comfortable than the couch. Discover a great hidden gem in your state with our guide to the best small-town restaurants across America.
Snacks from the Sea
Seaweed had its moment, so now it’s time for algae, salmon skins and kelp to take center stage. Whole Foods says consumers can expect to see the likes of kelp noodles, sea fennel and olive blends and water lily snacks in 2019. Here’s why you need to know about umami—the secret reason why these foods taste so great.
Flavor Fusion
Mixing different food cultures and flavors together is nothing new (anyone else remember the sushi burrito?). But typically these experiences could only be found in a restaurant. In 2019, Tyson Foods predicts that these fusions will work their way into home kitchens, too. And in 2022, San Francisco style Vietnamese American garlic noodles was the most popular recipe of the year.
Hungry? Try these authentic recipes from around the world.
Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Originally Published: November 30, 2018
